Jessica Burson Crowned Miss New Mexico 2014 for Miss America 2015

Jessica Burson, the reigning Miss Roswell 2014, was crowned Miss New Mexico 2014 at the conclusion of the Miss New Mexico Scholarship pageant held on June 29th, 2014 at Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts in Alto. She will represent the state of New Mexico at the upcoming Miss America 2015 pageant, scheduled for September 14th, 2014 in Atlantic City.

At the same event, Lindsey Day was crowned Miss New Mexico’s Outstanding Teen 2014 and will represent the state in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2015, scheduled for August 2, 2014 in Orlando, Florida.
The first runner-up was Miss Alamogordo OT, Raini O’Connor
The second runner-up was Miss Rio Rancho OT, Delaney Heilman
The third runner-up was Miss Otero Co OT, Ryleigh Murphy
The fourth runner-up was Miss White Sands OT, Mackenzie Brabson.

About The Author

Jennifer

This was a rigged state competition as clear from the audience perspective. Jessica’s parents were seen fraternizing with judges in the weeks prior to the competition. Jessica had no talent and pretended to do a dance even though competing against seasoned, trained dancers, and has no public communication skills. Compared with her competitors, she stumbled all over the stage, and besides her being a beautiful and photogenic girl. She has no place in Miss America. She also did not qualify in a local pageant to become a state competitor, and instead purchased her place being named a “fiesta queen”. Her father the president of local banking systems in the area has a lot of sway and has done her a disservice by purchasing the Miss New Mexico crown for her as she is completely un-qualified to compete at the national level. The state competition was her first pageant and the pageant community in New Mexico is in shock and disbelief as current director Carol Henry, who is suspect of major money misappropriation, let this major form of contestant favoritism and corruption take place.

Shauna

|

It is a shame you feel that way. I am not certain of your affiliation with the organization, however, I can tell you that you have been mislead.
I am saddened by your accusation of Carol Henry, my Mother. She as all of the other volunteers affiliated with the organization work countless hours to organize this year long event for all involved. I wish people such as yourself, could see the process unfold from the from the “other side”
Being in pageants myself since I was 3 until I was 22, I too am guilty of pointing fingers, placing blame where it wasn’t necessary etc. in times in times of disappointment. I never attacked someone character as you did above.
Let’s be honest and put this is prospective. I will give you a snap shot of what’s it’s like being on “this side” of the pageant. My mom works literally year round night and day and might I say, she works her butt off. She has missed many family gatherings (most recent my 6 month son that just had unexpected surgery this past week during the pageant). How dare you accuse her of money misappropriation when I have witnessed the many conversations and hard work that her and so many give to this system. Look back in history from before my mom was affiliated, I would welcome that. When she took it over there was little to no money given to the girls, at best, there were four girls running for the title and nobody at Miss America knew who New Mexico was. I think history proves itself and that history has been created by my mom and the fabulous volunteers that believe in the system.
I don’t know the new Miss New Mexico and when I personally called my Mom bright and early on Sunday to inquire about the winner she could only tell me her encountered with Jessica during the week, that she is stunning and excited for the year! You saying Jessica has no talent, shame on you. It must be miserable and confining to love your life of judgement. I am proud if Jessica really has “no talent” because that means she stands for all that Miss America does. When is the last time you saw Miss America perform her talent? I would rather someone smart, caring, personable and someone beautiful on the inside represent our state. I think if you were to ask fellow supporters of this system to name what talent the last five Miss America’s did, they would have no clue. If you asked perhaps the supporters of the system the winners platform, they would nail it.
Again, prior to accusing so someone of such things, get your facts straight, listening to “gossip” let alone repeating it…makes you no better. I wish you luck in finding peace and happiness.

Tina Grundberg

|

I agree with Susie Pageant. The giveaways are : The Pageant is not located in central NM as it should be. Albuquerque is central and equitable . Carol moved it to the south and lost UNM in the process. Scholarships are now provided only from her backyard . It is difficult for friends and families from around the state to get to southern NM. When many of them got there there were no tickets left. A block of 60 tickets purchased by Mr.Roswell himself were Jessica supporters. They were following the lead to offer applause for only Jessica…only because she was the Banker Burson’s daughter. This was HIS crowd! Poor poor management! There was no other option available for ticket purchases made to contestants families. It is VERY TRUE that Roswell hosted a big shindig for the pageant even though it was not the host city! Why didn’t Miss Ruidoso have that option? The Judge who was associated with the 50-1 horse race winner was indeed fraternizing with the family of Miss Roswell…and yes he is associated with Mr. Burson. In the competition itself Miss Roswell could not ever have won talent that counts for 35% of the score. She fell out of her turns, lost her balance, but managed to complete a “flying squirrel” that was photographed as proof of NO TRAINING never mind that she bragged that she has only danced for a couple of months. On top of that she is not articulate…so is it really any question at all that the final random or judge’s question onstage was eliminated?That was a major step in placement that was obviously missing to even novice eyes! This way it was assured that all the audience had to do is look at Miss Roswell and not hear her answer up against outstanding fellow competitors. She is beautiful…but she is not Miss New Mexico worthy, never mind Miss America worthy. Her father dropped her right into the middle of this fire storm so obviously it is a win for his bragging rights and not his daughter’s legitimate abilities. Shame on him! Miss Roswell got into the pageant through the back door without having to compete for the position like every other participant.
So this is NOT a case of gossip! The contestants were not sad…they were beyond angry that Carol Henry and the group from Roswell thought they could get away with it with only minor fall out. The whole plan was premeditated in advance as proven by concerned individuals who knew that it was coming and shared it. So again if it happens it is NOT gossip! Many defended your mother in not wanting to believe it! There are clear violations of both the pageant format and the qualifications of judges. There were no representatives on the judges panel for the performing arts…yes two out of state… but one very prominent race horse owner and trainer with interesting history and family beyond the horse race story.
Shauna I am happy that you are so devoted to your mother. She may need your love in the near future. Changes are in the wind. Call it destiny.

Shauna

|

Gosh, I am embarrassed to say the ONLY way people in New Mexico will be happy next year would be the following:
1. Girl must be an accomplished dancer/singer etc
2. Girls parents must not be accomplished
3. Girl can’t love too close to the state pageant locations, we should probably cancel all locals close?
4. My Mom can’t get judges, at least ones that ANYONE agrees with….she should probably leave that duty to smart individuals like yourself and Susie pageant
5. Girls parents and support should not buy tickets to the pageant
6. Girl shouldn’t have ever lived in any other state other than New Mexico…ever…no getting out and seeing the world….must have only lived inNew Mexico
7. Mom should probably just go ahead and allow the parents to pick the location, hire all those involved in making the production happen, raise scholarship ALL year long, create bonds with so many around New Mexico, give time away from THEIR family etc. ( by the way, that sounds like Christmas to me, I would get my Mom back)
9. Can’t win your first time to state. You should only be able to win a local your first year and accordingly to you…that might even be a stretch?

I could go on but I am embarssed at the first 9 requirements set by people like you and whoever Susie pageant is.

Does everyone forget that there was an entire other set of judges that also picked Jessica, that you have to start somewhere? I think everyone thinks their daughter or girl they are supporting is the best and most deserving….I love that! Bit guess what, when you sign up for a competition there is a winner taped those that win throughout the process but may have to come back for the crown. I worked 6 long and hard years before I won my first crown.

Get over yourself and unless you have had a direct conversation my with my Mom or another Border Member about your allegations, NEWS FLASH….YOU ARE HAEING THINGS ONE SIDED WHICH IS REPEATING GOSSIP.
Again, I will support my wonderful Mom until cows sing just as you are supporting your girl. We can go toe to toe but I don’t have time. I think you should take it over, you seem so smart, willing to work hard and have remarkable idea to “turn it around” that I am sure, so many will agree with. I will touch base with you after a year from when that happens! 🙂

Shauna

|

Saving your precious time, I realize there are typos in my above response. FYI

Carol Henry

|

So, I think that is enough back and forth. I will speak for myself. First, Tina, your facts are completely wrong about the Miss America pageant and it’s judging system. I would encourage you to go to the Miss America website to research the judging process. It is quite good and foolproof. A Miss America pageant can’t possibly be “rigged,” as there are many agents installed into the process to keep that from happening. Anyone associated with the Miss America pageant are aware unless you are one who chooses to stay uneducated? In addition, there is not an on-stage question for the Misses during the Top 10 competition. Once again, I encourage you to actually look into the requirements for the pageant instead of speaking without the knowledge.
We have found a great “home” for our pageant in Ruidoso. The community has embraced our event with open arms, wonderful hospitality, gracious donations, and lasting friendships. I doubt that anyone on the State Board would consider moving the pageant to another community so that it would be “convenient” to attend. Ruidoso has shown nothing but kindness and courtesy to the Miss New Mexico pageant, and I defend its existence in that great community.
Without the extreme generosity from our scholarship donors, there would be fewer dollars going to the New Mexico Universities to aide our young women in their higher education. I would be careful about what I say about those donors, as we are extremely fortunate that they are so generous in giving these young ladies their scholarship dollars. If you would like to approach other donors in another part of the state who are willing to give as generously, we are certainly open to that “tip.” Maybe you can contact them on our behalf, it would certainly make you a hero for obtaining scholarships for our deserving contestants. Our young women are the future of our state, and if we can educate them in our State, perhaps we can keep them in New Mexico and they will not have to leave to get a better job. I think that everyone who has received scholarship from the Miss NM Organization would champion the donors who are responsible for such generous scholarships.
In reference to the ticket sales, you must not have been present at the workshop held in April when we offered the parents tickets to the event before they could actually go to the Spencer to purchase them. I will be happy to let you know when workshop will be in 2015 so that you can attend and purchase your tickets, or you can always call the Spencer Theater at 575-336-4800, as everyone was able to do, to purchase your tickets.
The Miss NM Organization supports Jessica 100% in her road to the Miss America Crown. She is a delight to know, will work tirelessly to make the state proud, and will be a wonderful representative the entire year. She made many new friends during the week of the Miss NM pageant, and there are many people supporting her. We are proud to call her our “Miss New Mexico.”
So, I guess the only “changes in the wind” is that the Miss NM org is growing, is filled with incredible contestants, is handing out $52,000 worth of scholarships to it’s winners,and is seeking qualified contestants for the 2015 competition year so we can give more scholarship dollars to more girls! We are excited to add new communities to the local pageant list, as well as new volunteers who have come forward and want to truly make a difference by offering their help. The Organization is alive and well with these new volunteers, new friends, great contestants, a good home, a solid State Board, and a wonderful young lady who will lead us all with grace, beauty and integrity during her Year of Service.
So you now have two choices: jump on the bandwagon as a valid volunteer and help make this state pageant one of the best in the country, or simply do nothing. Start a local pageant in your area and experience the behind the scenes knowledge that helps you to understand the system. Volunteer to sell program books at the State pageant. Run up and down the stairs as our volunteers Rhonda and Roberta did during the pageant to “help” the girls be on time. Work tirelessly in the Green room as Sarina and Linda did, so that everyone is well nourished pageant week. Help Heather run the Little Miss Program, GOD knows they need more volunteers. But, if you choose “nothing,” then you have no right to be writing about your empty complaints on this blog. I will be waiting for a call from you Tina!